Snapping Turtles mating

The male Snapping Turtle is doing his best to pursue and persuade the female to mate. By the end of the video things have calmed down and it looks as though he may have succeeded! Snapping Turtles can live 30-40 years, consequently they do not reach sexual maturity until they are 5-7 years old. Though they usually lay their eggs in May (hatching in June) in the mid-Atlantic region, mating can occur at anytime from spring through fall. Females can hold sperm for up to 3 years until she is ready to fertilize them.
John Heinz NWR, Philadelphia
July 13, 2013